06 The Functional Viewpoint

Question 1

Functional Viewpoint

Answer 1

Describes the system’s runtime functional elements (components) and their responsibilities, interfaces and primary interactions.

Demonstrates how the system will perform the functions required of it (what the system is required to do)

Cornerstone of most ADs and is often the first part of the description that stakeholders try to read.

Question 2

Functional Viewpoint General Concerns

Answer 2

Functional capabilities

External interfaces
» data, event, and control flows between your systems and others.

Internal structure
» Internal elements, what they do, and how they interact

Functional Design Philosophy
» a well designed system is easier to build, test, operate and enhance.

Question 3

Functional View Structural Models contains:

Answer 3

Functional Elements
Interfaces
Connectors
External Entities

Question 4

Functional Elements

Answer 4

A well defined runtime part of the system has:
- particular responsibilities and
well-defined interfaces to communicate with other elements.

Question 5

Interfaces

Answer 5

Mechanism by which the functions of an element can be accessed by other elements.

Question 6

Connectors

Answer 6

Link the elements together to allow them to interact

Question 7

External Entities

Answer 7

Other systems, software, hardware, or any other entity your system interacts with.

Question 8

Component Definition

Answer 8

The principle computational elements and data stores that execute in a system.

Question 9

Components have interfaces called:

Answer 9

Ports
» Usually of an explicit type
» Could have many ports of the same type (handle multiple input streams)

Question 10

Connector Definition

Answer 10

Runtime pathway of interaction between two or more components

Question 11

Role

Answer 11

Defines the expectations of a participant in an interaction.

Question 12

Connectors Guidelines

Answer 12

Do not have to be binary - could have a number of roles.

If a component’s major function is to mediate interaction between other components, consider making it a connector instead.

Connectors can (and often should) represent complex forms of interaction

Connectors often embody some type of interaction protocol.

Question 13

Activities to Build a Functional Views

Answer 13

Generalization
Decomposition
Amalgamation
Replication.